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Chapter Text

Prince Din Djarin of Nevarro passed the reins of his horse to the waiting stable hand. The young man led the horse away as Din trotted up the steps, removing his riding gloves as he did so. The doors opened for him and he handed his gloves and riding coat to his valet who was waiting for him.

“I trust you had an enjoyable ride this morning, sir,” Jorgan, his valet inquired.

“I did,” Din returned, heading towards the stairs that would take him up to the second floor where his office was located. Jorgan followed behind him. “Any news?” Din asked.

“Your cousin, Lord Cassian, has returned from Alderaan,” Jorgan began. Din stopped to face Jorgan.

“And?”

“He asked me to relay the message that he would be in his office all morning whenever you wish to meet with him.”

“Thank you, Jorgan. I’ll go meet with him now. Please have some food and drink sent up. I did not eat before I went out this morning.”

“Yes, sir,” Jorgan answered with a bow, took three steps back and then turned to carry out the Prince’s request.

Din turned back to the stairs and charged up them. His cousin’s office was on the other end of the floor from his own. He turned left at the top of the stairs and quickly made his way down the long hall to his cousin’s office. The door was open and he could hear Cassian talking to his secretary, Mr. Tuesso. Din approached the door. Before he could politely knock on the open door to announce his presence, Cassian looked up and smiled.

“That will be all, Kay,” Cassian said, looking to his secretary.

“Yes, sir. I will check back with you later this afternoon with an update on the items we discussed.”

Cassian nodded and Mr. Tuesso stood and proceeded out. He stopped and bowed to Din as he passed him in the doorway.

Cassian stood and came around his desk to greet his cousin.

“I’m glad to see you’ve returned, Cousin,” Din said, taking Cassian's offered hand and placing his left on Cassian’s shoulder. Cassian returned the gesture.

“I’m glad to be back. Especially with Jyn so close to her confinement but when needs must as they say. I have gone and returned,” Cassian replied, leading Din to the two chairs in front of the fireplace. Even though spring had well and truly sprung the mornings were still quite chilly. Especially in the mountains where they were located.

“So tell me. What news do you have?”

“Your intended is a very accomplished young lady and will make you a fine Queen consort when the time comes,” Cassian said.

“So, the Lady Soraya was amenable to the arrangement?”

“The Lady Soraya is now the Princess Soraya of Carrida. She eloped with the King’s younger son two days before we arrived,” Cassian informed him.

“You’re joking, right? That leaves the…” he couldn’t even bring himself to say it.

“The Lady Cara is most displeased as well. I believe she had the exact same look on her face that you do now,” Cassian replied with somewhat of an amused expression.

“But the point was to arrange for Soraya not Cara.”

“Well, the King of Carrida did send his apologies for the actions of his youngest son but I fear he’s probably not all that sorry. His other daughter-in-law, the Crown Princess, has truly struggled to produce an heir and it’s likely she may not. King Danis needs to secure the succession through one of his sons so he will not be nullifying the elopement. Soraya is no longer available. Besides do you want to be married to a woman who is clearly in love with someone else?”

Din scowled. Of course he didn’t really want to be married to a woman who was in love with someone else but he DEFINITELY did not want to marry the Lady Cara either.

“Then find someone else. Cara and I will not suit.”

“Currently, there are not any other options. Your father does not want to merge the crown of Nevarro with the larger kingdoms around us. Besides the agreement had been made. The Lady Cara will arrive here in five days time. Five days after that you will be married. According to your father. Please do take it up with him if you don’t like it. I’m just the messenger.”

“He made you tell me cause he knows I won’t kill you. Jyn would kill me, regardless of her condition.”

Cassian nodded and chuckled at Din’s accurate assessment of his wife.

A knock at the door temporarily interrupted their conversation as food and drink were delivered.

Both men took a moment to partake of some of the food. After a few bites, Cassian spoke.

“Din, you’re nearing thirty. You need to marry sooner rather than later. The Lady Cara is, as I said, quite accomplished and yes I realize her accomplishments are not the typical ones we would expect of young ladies of her class, but she is nonetheless an acceptable royal bride to be. It’s been ten years since you last saw her. You have both grown and I hope matured beyond petty childhood squabbles. Besides I may not be a prince but I am a member of the royal family, so my choice of bride was scrutinized as well. Are you saying that Jyn was not an acceptable bride? She was raised at the Alderaanian court alongside the Lady Cara.”

“You know I hold your wife in the highest esteem. She’s truly your partner. There is nothing unacceptable about Jyn.” Din responded, knowing he was going to have to resign himself to Lady Cara as his wife.

“Anyway, you might find yourself being very glad of the arrangement in the end.” Cassian quipped, before taking a drink.

“Why would you say that?” Din huffed.

“You’ll see when she gets here.” Cassian grinned and dove back into his food.

“I hate you so much right now,” Din grumbled.

“Maybe, but I’m betting in six months you’ll be thanking me.”

“Don’t count on it.”

Footsteps racing down the hall caught the attention of both men

An out of breath footman skidded to a halt in front of the door.

“Lord Cassian! Your wife…she… demands you come home. Immediately,” the footman finally got out.

Both men dumped their plates back on the table and quickly headed back out. There was only one reason for Jyn to be demanding Cassian return so quickly. She had gone into labor.

The men wasted no time in rushing across the courtyard to the other wing of the palace.

They made their way to the second floor where Din was stopped and Cassian was ushered back.

Watching his cousin disappear behind the doors it occurred to Din that by this time next year he could very well be welcoming his own child. With Cara.

**********

To be continued.

Chapter Text

Five days later, Prince Din Djarin stood on the steps of the palace next to both his cousin, Lord Cassian Andor, and his father, King Aeju to greet not only his bride to be but a number of Alderaanian officials who were staying for the wedding ceremony five days hence. The queen of Alderaan would be arriving in a few more days to attend as well.

It was early afternoon and the warm spring sun was burning away the chill of the morning. The afternoon was going to be beautiful and Din wished he could be on the back of Caine riding through the fields. He wished he was anywhere other than where he was currently.

The sounds of the approaching carriages jolted Din out of his thoughts and back to the present.

“Din, you could at least put a neutral expression on your face, rather than a scowl, hmm?” His father commented as the first of the carriages pulled to a stop.

Din did his best to comply with his father’s request to at least not scowl at anyone. The three men stepped further down as a footman opened the door to the first carriage.

“Lord Tadrias, a pleasure to see you again,” the king said in greeting the Queen of Alderaan’s chief advisor, and extending his hand.

“King Aeju, always good to see an old friend, and under such happy circumstances,” Lord Tadrias replied, taking the king’s hand.

“It is indeed, old friend,” Aeju replied sincerely. The King and Lord Vengann Tadrias had known each other for years. Tadrias was a distant relative of the Queen of Alderaan and had stepped in, along with his wife, to raise the young Dune girls when both their parents died from an illness that swept through the area many years prior. Tadrias and his wife, Lady Audra, had raised both Soraya and Cara alongside their two sons.

Aeju turned to both Cassian and Din, “You know Lord Andor of course.”

“Yes. It’s good to see again, Lord Andor. I hear congratulations are in order on the arrival of your daughter,” Tadrias stated, greeting Cassian.

“Thank you, sir,” Cassian responded, with a wide grin unable to hide his pride in his new daughter, who was currently resting with her mother in their suite. Or at least Jyn was supposed to be resting. He was pretty sure he saw her peeking out the curtains as the carriages pulled up.
“And you know, my son, Prince Din.”

“Yes, it’s been a few years, Your Highness,” Tadrias said, nodding his head and extending his hand.

“Sir, I’m sure we’ll be seeing much more of each other in future,” Din replied as cordially as possible.

Vengann chuckled, “Quite right. You are marrying my adopted daughter, who is by the way as unhappy about this as you are judging by the effort you're putting in to not look like it.”

“Damn right, I’m not happy to be bartered off,” the lady in question said as she stepped out of the carriage, in a beautiful deep purple gown that she was quite obviously not happy to be wearing. Further, she did not care one whit that ladies of her rank were not supposed to use such language. She simply stated she'd use whatever language she felt got her point across anytime anyone tried to correct her.

Cara took a moment to try and smooth out the dress so that she could walk without tripping, unaware of the attention she attracted.

Din felt his mouth go dry. The last time he’d seen Cara was ten years prior, when she’d been fifteen and he’d been all of nineteen. She’d still been a gangly thing traipsing about the countryside in men’s pants, excelling at swords, horses, and all manner of fighting. Her adopted father had long since given up in trying to mold her into the proper young Alderaanian woman and instead had supplemented her education with the things she was really interested in as a way to get her to at least put in the effort to learn the other things she needed too.

Cara had indeed grown up, and Din wasn’t quite sure what to think about the stunning woman who stood before him. She certainly filled out the dress nicely. It was obvious from the tone of her skin that she still spent most of her days outdoors. He had remembered she had dark hair and eyes, but he was now also remembering that her eyes always gave the sense that she could see into his soul. It wasn't a feeling he had enjoyed all those years ago. He certainly hadn’t expected her to still look the same as she had back then, but he certainly hadn’t expected the very beautiful woman before him, who for all the world looked like she hated him.

Cara stepped forward to her adopted father. She dropped a small curtsy to the King before turning towards her intended.

“I’d say it’s good to see you again, but I don’t think either one of us is glad to be here,” she spoke plainly.

“Cara.” Tadrias sighed, “We’ve been through this.”

“Yes, we have, and while I will go along with this idiotic notion of an arranged marriage, I will not pretend to be happy about it.”

“That is fair, Cara.” Din interjected before anyone else could say anything. “It will be good if we can at least be honest with each other from the start, that neither of us are entirely happy with this situation but it is where we find ourselves. I will do my best to treat you with the honor and respect you deserve.”

Cara was a little taken aback by his statement. She was expecting some sarcastic, condescending come back that she’d been on the receiving end of in the past. Instead, she got an understanding statement that he was not happy either, but would treat her well. Maybe she could work with that. She had to admit that he’d grown up as well. He was definitely attractive and appeared to have matured somewhat from that aggravating nineteen-year-old she known previously.

“Thank you,” she replied, surprised to find herself actually meaning it.

“Well, now that we’ve all become reacquainted, I had the chef prepare a light afternoon repast for everyone in the Blue Dining Hall. There will be a dinner and small gathering here this evening. The staff will see that everyone's luggage is taken to the appropriate rooms. There will also be food waiting in the kitchens for your staff, Vengann,” Aeju stated.

“Thank you,” Tadrias replied, “My staff will greatly appreciate it. The new locomotives are great for traveling quickly but it’s still tiring to travel long distances.”

“Din, perhaps you would like to show Lady Cara to her rooms?” Aeju suggested.

“Of course, Father,” Din replied, extending his arm to Cara and leading her up the stairs.

“Cassian, a moment,” the king called.

“Yes, sire.”

“Cassian, I truly appreciate all the work you’ve been doing the last few days, given the circumstances. If you do not wish to attend tonight’s ball you do not have, too. I would understand completely if you wish to remain with your wife and new daughter for the evening. You are, of course, welcome to attend, but I did not want you to feel obligated.”

“Thank you, sire. I think I will stay in this evening. It has been a very tiring few days and it will be a very tiring few more as we prepare for the wedding,” Cassian said, grateful for the chance to just rest for an evening.

“Very good, then enjoy your evening and give my regards to Jyn.”

“Yes, sir. Thank you,” the young man said as he headed across the courtyard to his suite of rooms.

The king turned back to his friend. “Well, Vengann, what do you think?”

Vengann couldn’t help a chuckle, “They’re either going to hate each other, or they’re going to fall madly in love and be one of the greatest love stories ever. She doesn’t do anything halfway.”

“Neither does he,” Aeju returned, clapping his friend on the back, “Come on, let’s get something to eat and catch up. We didn’t have much time to do that when I was in Alderaan last week.”

Tadrias nodded his agreement and the men climbed the stairs as the staff around them began sorting out the luggage and preparing for the evening's activities.

Chapter Text

Din led Lady Cara up the stairs to the third floor where the family’s private rooms were located. Din’s rooms were to the right of the main stairs as were the suite of rooms that would belong to his soon-to-be wife. The other end of the floor contained the King’s and the Queen’s suite. The Queen’s suite was currently unoccupied as Din’s mother had passed away a few years ago and King Aeju felt no need to remarry.

Din and Cara approached the open door to her suite. Several staff members were going in and out of the room as Cara’s trunks and other luggage was brought up.

“These will be yours,” Din explained. “There is the main sitting room here, the bedroom over there and the washroom is through the bedroom. One of the staff will come in every morning to start a fire. If you need anything, just ask.”

Cara nodded and stepped away from Din to take in her new surroundings. It was a lovely, gilded cage. Not what she had wanted. She wanted to be mad at Soraya for putting her in this position. Soraya should have been the one marrying Din. Yet, she knew her sister had been deeply in love with Prince Adin for sometime. She couldn’t fault her sister for making sure she married the man she wanted. So Cara had helped her to leave, knowing full well what it would mean for her, but willing to make the sacrifice. At least one of them would have a happy marriage.

She stepped over drew back nearly transparent curtains to look down on the activity below. Dozens of staff were moving about like ants through the courtyard making preparations for the evening’s festivities.

Turning back towards Din, she spied a door that he hadn’t explained. She had an idea but she wanted to hear him say it.

“So where does that door go?” she asked, indicating the door by the fireplace.

“Oh, umm, that goes to my room. It locks from both sides,” he said, almost blushing.

“I thought it might. Interesting that it locks from both sides, but that doesn’t really matter much,” she said as the last staff member stepped out and she went to shut the door. When the door clicked shut, she whirled around on Din, “It won’t matter cause it won’t be opened. I’m playing a part, Din. You made it more than clear years ago that I would never be acceptable as a bride for anyone with my wild ways. Maybe you’re right, maybe you’re not. I’ll do my part publicly. I’ll marry you and do my part as your princess in public. But behind closed doors I will live as I want and continue in the things that are important to me.”

Din was somewhat taken aback by her words. He hadn’t remembered until now what he said to her all those years ago. Apparently, she had. It hadn’t occurred to him that words he spoke in anger a decade ago had caused her such hurt.

He sighed, “Cara, I am sorry if what I said back then hurt you. I’d like to say that it was not my intention, but I won’t insult us both by saying that.”

“So why say it all, Din? I was fifteen! Do you know how hurtful the things you said were? And now I’m to marry you? Do you know how mortifying it is to know that the man I’m marrying doesn’t want to marry me? That it’s arranged?,” Cara stated, “Or was this the only way your arrogant ass could get anyone to marry you?”

Now Din was angry. He conceded he’d treated her terribly when they were younger, and it was clear he’d hurt her badly, but he wasn’t going to stand around and be insulted either.

“I hope you find the rooms to your liking. If you want anything changed just speak with Lord Andor and he will make all the arrangements to have the rooms fitted to your specifications. Dinner will be served at eight in the Blue Dining room. I will escort you down shortly before dinner to greet our guests,” Din replied stiffly, before bowing and leaving the room.

Cara bristled and turned back to the window. She took some deep breaths. She knew she’d likely gone too far with her last comment. She was just so damn mad that she was even in this situation. Her adopted father could have refused the marriage but he was worried about her future and Cara had already turned down several proposals from other aristocrats. He wanted to see her happy and settled. What made it worse was there had been a time, when she’d fancied herself in love with the Prince of Nevarro and he’d sure squashed those feelings. She had to admit that he did seem different. Maybe he had grown up like she thought earlier, but she couldn’t help the compulsion to want to hurt him as much as he’d hurt her.

She knew that eventually they or rather she was going to have to work through the problems. She would be expected to provide him an heir at some point in the not too distant future. Although those activities were damn sure not happening any time soon. Thankfully, the days of having to prove the bride was a virgin were gone, so no one would know that they weren’t sleeping together.

She felt like her brain was going to explode with all the thoughts running around it. A small knock at the door gained her attention.

“Come in,” she called.

Her ladies maid, Amalie, stepped in.

“You look right wound up, Miss,” Amalie spoke, shutting the door behind her.

“You know me so well, Amy,” Cara conceded.

“You should go for a ride, Miss. I just checked with the stables. Darius has been given a stall and is looking restless. I told them to get him saddled and brought around front. I think you have time to get out of here for an hour or so before we need to get you ready for the ball,” the young maid stated.

“You take such good care of me. I don’t suppose you know where my riding clothes are do you?”

“Of course!” Amy replied, going over and opening the red trunk, and pulling out Cara’s tunic, pants and other gear that she wore to go riding.

“Might as well begin as I intend to go on, right?”

“Yes, ma’am. You are Lady Cara Dune of Alderaan, and don’t let them make you anything you’re not, my lady.”

Cara teared up and hugged Amy, “Thank you.” she whispered.

It took a few minutes to get Cara out of that beautiful, but utterly ridiculous dress and into more normal clothes for her. Amalie took down Cara’s hair and rebraided it for riding. Cara laced up her boots and stood to see herself in the mirror. Now she recognized herself again.

“I’m off, Amy. I’ll be back in an hour or two.”

“No longer, Miss. I’ve got to take a little extra time with your hair tonight as you are actually wearing a tiara this evening.”

“Wonderful. An evening of having my skull squeezed,” Cara replied less than enthusiastically. “I’ll be back in time. I promise.”

With that Cara strode out of her rooms and down the halls to gasps and stutters of much of Din’s staff.

Din, who was standing with his valet on the first floor saw Cara coming down the stairs. They made eye contact but didn’t speak. She strode out the front and he followed just to see where she was going.

He watched as she approached the stable hand holding the reins to what he supposed was her horse. He was a bit surprised to see that her horse was nearly the same size as Caine. He had to admit he was impressed that she could control an animal that size. She quickly mounted the horse and took off heading, ironically, in the same direction that he did. The low hills in the distance that were always so beautiful this time of year.

He looked around and noticed his staff still staring after the woman who would eventually be their queen. After a moment, they all seemed to snap out of it, as he figured they realized the same thing he just had. Cara in pants, riding as a man did would be a regular thing from now on.

He turned back to return indoors. He remembered what Cara had looked like at fifteen and she damn sure didn’t look like that now. Her riding gear certainly showed the world what the dress had been hiding. He wasn’t sure which one he preferred: Cara in a dress or her riding clothes. A small part of his brain whispered to him: the riding clothes, definitely.

“Oh, shut up,” he mumbled to himself.

“I’m sorry, sir?” Jorgan asked.

“It’s nothing, Jorgan. I’m going for a ride. I need to get out of here for a couple of hours. I’ll be heading north. I think Lady Cara needs some space.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll send word to the stable to have your horse readied.”

“Thank you, Jorgan. I’ll be back in an hour or two.”

“Very good, sir.”

With that Din went to change and headed out.

**************************************

Chapter Text

Later that evening at precisely 7:45 Din knocked on the door of his betrothed. A few moments passed before Amalie opened the door.

She bobbed a quick curtsy to Din before gesturing for him to come inside.

“Who is…” Cara asked, coming in from the bedroom.

“My Lady,” Din greeted her with a bow.

“Thank you for your help, Amalie. Could you give us a few moments, please?” Cara requested.

“Of course, Miss. I’ll go down for my supper and return to clean the room and prepare it for when you retire this evening,” the young maid chirped as she stepped out of the room.

Din was having a time trying to reconcile the two Caras. The one who wears what are essentially men’s clothing and the one that stands before him in what is clearly a sapphire blue evening gown with diamond and sapphire jewelry to match. They’re both stunning and equally as infuriating.

His thoughts were interrupted as Cara spoke.

“Din, I need to apologize. I could have found a better way to say what I did.”

“You meant what you said. Don’t apologize for being honest.”

“Oh, I’m not. Just that I could have found a better way to say what I needed to without being a bitch.”

Din’s eyes widened at the colorful term that most ladies would never dream of using, but again he appreciated her candor. “I am sure we both are going to say a lot more things during this process for which we will need to apologize.”

“Most likely,” Cara conceded.

“Cara, I can’t honestly tell you I remember every one of our interactions in our youth. I know I behaved very much the ass you suggested earlier. I do hope you will give me the opportunity to do better this time around?”

“I think we both need to see if we can do better this time around,” Cara replied.

Din finally smiled, and she had to admit it was a very nice smile.

“Thank you,” he said simply as he pulled something out of his pocket. “It’s fortuitous that you wore that shade of blue.”

“It’s not really. Leia told me that it was tradition for the heir of Nevarro to present the engagement ring privately and that it was a sapphire. She had the dress commissioned immediately once the agreement was reached.”

Din smiled, because of course Leia did.

“And the rest of your jewelry?” He asked, looking at the diamond tiara with small sapphire insets and the matching earrings and bracelet.

“Leia had this commissioned several months ago as a gift for my birthday this summer. She said she wanted me to have a set of jewelry that would be mine to wear at my wedding whenever that should happen. She gave it to me early along with the dress. She said this blue has always been a good color for me. I’ve had several dresses in this shade. I’ll admit it’s not bad for a dress.”

“You really don’t like dresses do you?”

“Not at all.”

“Well, I agree with you. It’s a beautiful color. You look lovely. Please give me your hand.”

Cara nervously extended her left hand.

Din gently took her hand and slid the heirloom sapphire ring onto her fourth finger. He hadn’t been sure it would fit but it slid right on like it belonged there.

Cara let out a small gasp. It wasn’t a large ring, nor was it small either. If Cara had to describe it was just about the right size to not feel too heavy on her hand but enough weight to know it was there.

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered.

He had to admit the ring was beautiful and it appeared even more so on her hand. Clearing his throat, he asked, “Are you ready to go down and greet our guests?”

“Yes,” she replied with a small, but genuine smile.

He extended his arm and they made their way down to the first floor to greet their guests.

Dinner passed in a flurry for both of them. They received congratulations from many of the guests throughout the evening. Cara met many more people than she could remember. It would take a little time for her to learn and remember all of them. Thankfully, she would have some time after the wedding to ease into her role and get to know the people she would have to interact with to help her husband govern his kingdom when the time came.

Yet for all the truly, wonderfully nice people she met, there was always one.

Cara had chosen to take a break from the dance floor and had acquired a glass of punch. She was standing off to the side watching the other guests as they mingled when an older woman approached her.

Cara did not recognize her but greeted her with a sincere hello.

“I know we haven’t met, Lady Cara. I am the Duchess of Haverleigh. My husband is the First Minister.”

“I’m sorry, ma’am. I’m not entirely familiar yet with Nevarro’s public officials.”

“I’d imagine that a young lady who spends most of her time in men’s clothes and on horseback probably wouldn’t.”

“I beg your pardon?” Cara bristled.

“You will be our queen, Lady Cara. You need to set a better example to the young ladies of the kingdom,” the older woman continued. “We cannot have our young ladies thinking it appropriate to be wearing men’s clothing or engaging in activities better left to men.”

Cara could only stare mouth agape as the woman continued.

“I knew your mother, Lady Cara. Such a kind and wonderful woman. The epitome of ladylike grace. It was such a shame when she and your father died. I do hope that you will decide to follow her example and not what you have been allowed to become by your adopted parents.”

Cara recognized that she was about to lose her temper in an epic fashion.

Unfortunately for Cara, Lady Haverleigh was not done speaking.

“It was really quite shocking when the palace announced the Prince’s engagement. We always thought that he and our daughter, Lady Alessa, would wed. They grew up together and have always been the best of friends. She would have been perfect for him.”

At this Cara cut in, “It is my understanding that the royal House of Nevarro hasn’t taken a spouse from among the Nevarran aristocracy in several hundred years.”

“They have not, but there is a first time for everything. Alessa would have made a stunning Queen. However, as that does not appear likely anymore I would be glad to provide any advice or assistance you might need as you settle into your role.”

“Your Grace, I appreciate your concern but we are not such close acquaintances that I feel that such advice is appropriate for you to give me. Furthermore, if I need advice on how to be a queen I believe I would be better suited seeking the council of an actual queen like the present queen of Alderaan with whom I am well acquainted. Now if you will excuse me, I see someone else I need to speak with,” Cara stated through gritted teeth and strode away with as much grace as she could muster.

The other woman was left standing there with a shocked look on her face.

Cara made her to the other side of the dance floor where Din had shown her a small study she could step into if she needed a minute of quiet.

She had been in there about ten minutes when the door opened quickly, and Din stepped in. Cara sighed it was clear from his eyes that he was angry. So this is how it will be, she thought, one step forward, and two steps back.

“Did you really turn your back on the Duchess of Haverleigh?” He demanded.

“I did, but not in the way that I’m sure she implied,” Cara responded hotly.

“Regardless of why you did it, you are to be the queen. You cannot be seen to do such things. Ever.” He returned forcefully.

“So you’re not even interested in what she said?”

“Not at all,” he replied frostily.

“Then we’re done here. Goodnight,” Cara replied before she could say anything that she would need to apologize for later. She stepped out of the study and turned left to head up the stairs to her rooms, leaving behind a prince who knew that he’d once again stepped wrong.

Both independently wondered how long it would be before they could get through an entire day without being at odds with each other.

**************

Across the courtyard, a man walked back and forth holding his baby daughter. The Lady Karys Andor was too young to know it yet, but she had her father completely wrapped around her very tiny fingers. He stopped briefly in front of the windows to look across to the other wing where the engagement party was being held. He could see the lights and all the various aristocrats in attendance hoping to gain favor with the new princess-to-be.

Cassian had been relieved when the King had told him he needn’t attend the evening festivities. He was tired and truly wanted to just be with his family.

“You know,” his wife’s voice cut into his reverie, “Eventually, you’re going to have to put her down for the night, or when she needs to be fed again.”

Cassian looked down at the sleeping bundle in his arms. “I don’t see why I have to put her down unless you’re feeding her,” he returned quietly.

“At least come sit with me while you hold her then,” Jyn entreated him as she carefully lowered herself onto the couch. Cassian just as carefully took his place next to her so as not to jostle either of the ladies.

He stared at his daughter for a few more moments before turning to his wife, “Thank you,” he whispered sincerely with tears shining in his eyes.

“For what, my love?”

“Her, us, our family.”

“As I recall this, and most especially her, was a joint effort. I could say the same to you. I think your cousin’s had a much different bride in mind for you.”

He chucked, “They did, but it was never going to work. We were too good of friends AND she’d already met Han by the time Aeju began looking for a bride for me. Not to mention that I’d already met you and made up my mind to wait for you to come of age. Longest four years of my life, but I would do it all over again to have this with you.”

Jyn didn’t have words so she did the next best thing and carefully leaned in to kiss her husband. After a few moments, she pulled back and cupped his face with her hands.

“You sweet, sap of a man.”

The quietly chuckled trying not to wake Karys. However, it had been a couple of hours and thus the whimpers of a hungry baby soon filled the room. One of the older maids who was doubling as a nurse for Jyn and Karys knocked and entered to help Jyn get settled to nurse her daughter.

Within just a few minutes the maid he’d Jyn situated and Cassian settled down to watch his wife and daughter. It was late and he knew both Jyn and Karys would be asleep after this feeding. He would call the nurse back in when it was time to get Karys ready to be put in her bassinet. Jyn was adamant that until Karys was at least several months old she would remain with them in their suite.

Given the years they struggled to have Karys he would not deny her this. Truly he didn’t think there was anything he’d deny his girls. Ever. He was more than okay with that.

He could hear the strains of the music from across the courtyard. He prayed that Din and Cara could have what he and Jyn had found. Love definitely made this life and all it’s trials worth living.

Chapter Text

The next morning found Din sitting in his office struggling to read through the correspondence that had piled up over the last week.

He hadn’t slept well after he’d retired from the party. The cross words he’d exchanged with Cara had played over and over again in his head. He knew he should have heard her out but he’d allowed his anger to be stirred by the comments of others.

He sighed as he reached for the cup of coffee. A knock at the door drew his attention away from his thoughts.

“Come in,” he called, and immediately stood up.

“I hope I’m not disturbing you?” A feminine voice inquired.

“Of course not, Lady Alessa. I’m always glad to see you. Please come in and have a seat. Would you like some coffee or tea?”

“No, thank you. I have already had breakfast,” Lady Alessa Canet replied.

Din came around his desk and guided her to the chairs in front of the fireplace. “Then to what do I owe the honor of your visit?”

Alessa sighed and Din recognized this as she was about to drop decorum and speak plainly. They had been friends for a long time after all.

“Din, did you really have cross words with the Lady Cara over something my mother said?” The disappointment was evident in Alessa’s voice.

“Alessa, Cara’s behavior was not respectful to one of your mother’s position.”

Alessa scoffed. “Din, you know better. My mother has had one plan her entire life. To marry into the royal family. When that did not happen for her the plan changed for one of her children, and finally for ME to marry you. We have discussed this. There is not only the tradition of keeping the monarchy and the aristocracy separate. Also while you and I are great friends we don’t suit. Nor do I have any desire to be Queen.”

“Alessa…”

“Do not Alessa me. I’m quite angry with you. I did not have the opportunity to speak with Lady Cara last evening but I can tell you what I observed. I saw a woman who circulated the room speaking to anyone who wished to talk to her. She was polite and charming and attentive to all. She did not put a foot wrong. Until my mother and she would try the patience of God himself. Cara will make a fine queen but you, sir, need to get over yourself and do not now or ever pay any attention to anything my mother has to say on anything. For that matter no one here even knows Lady Cara why would you listen to anything any of them have to say about her. I thought you were smarter than this.”

Din was more than a bit shocked. He and Alessa had been friends for years and they often spoke rather directly to each other but never to this magnitude. Din did of course know better. The Duchess of Haverleigh’s ambitions for Alessa were well known. He allowed her to play to his pride and his irritation at the marriage that he took the bait and once again made an ass of himself.

“You’re right.”

“I know.”

“I’m just so frustrated at the fact that this is not going how I wanted it.”

“Din, you’re a crown prince who will be king. Nevarro is one of the richest kingdoms in Europe. You literally could have married any of the current eligible princesses but you decided you wanted Soraya, who was in love with someone else. Soraya did what many aristocratic and royal women are not able to and took her future in her own hands and married the man she loved. We both know you’re not heartbroken. Your pride is hurt. So as I said get over yourself and be grateful that Lady Cara even agreed to marry you.”

Din knew she was right again. He wasn’t heartbroken over Soraya. He was angry she had chosen a second son over a crown prince. His pride was hurt.

“So how do I fix this?” He asked.

“By being the man that I’ve known you to be for years. And I’m going to help you a bit. And do not try to stop me. Lady Cara will likely never get an apology from my mother but I am going to make sure that Lady Cara knows how to deal with the Duchess going forward. I sent a request for her to meet me for a ride later this morning. I understand Lady Cara is an excellent rider. I shall rather enjoy having her to ride with if she will allow it.”

“I wouldn’t dream of getting in your way, Alessa.”

“Good, now as my father would say, get your head out of your ass and start being a man.”

“Your mother would be furious if she could hear you.”

“Furious, she’d likely murder me but I won’t be around for her to bother for much longer anyway.”

A concerned look appeared on Din’s face and he asked, “Alessa, what are you up to?”

“I’m afraid I’m going to miss your wedding, Din. I’ll be attending my own the same day. Lord Bennington and I are eloping the day before your wedding. And before you protest, my father knows and we have his support. He knows my mother would do whatever was necessary to stop me from marrying Marcus, and he’s only ever wanted me to be happy. So, we will elope and return in a month's time when you will also be married and my mother will probably have lost her mind, but there will not be anything she can do at that point.”

“You’ve got everything figured out don’t you?” Din chuckled.

“Your life would be a lot easier if you would start listening to those who truly care about you and your future. I’m sure there are others in your court who are not happy about your marriage. Do not listen to them. You have made a commitment to Cara and she deserves your respect and protection if not your love.”

For the third time in the conversation, Din was forced to admit that she was right.

“Then I welcome your assistance in setting things to right and I offer you my sincerest wishes for your happiness with Marcus. He’s a fine young man.”

“He is. I didn’t come in here intending to tear into so strongly but I don’t want you to be unhappy and I think you and Cara can be happy if you would both commit to working together and tell everyone else to go to hell if necessary.”

“I’m not angry. You’re right about all of it. I’ve just got to figure out how to move forward with Cara. We have some history where I wasn’t the nicest to her…”

“I’m shocked,” Alessa replied with a smile.

“Very funny. Anyway, it appears I have a lot to atone for indeed.”

“You do but the good news is you can apologize and make up for it. But do it in deeds not just words. Words are easy. Now, I must be going I asked Lady Cara to meet me at eleven and I must change to go riding.”

“Please tell me you don’t ride in men’s clothing too?”

“Very well, I won’t,” she quipped as she stood and made her way to the door.

Alessa paused as the door, “Din, I wish you and Cara every happiness that can be found in marriage. Something tells me she is exactly what this kingdom and more importantly YOU need.”

“Thank you, Alessa. I will endeavor to fix it.”

Alessa shut the door and Din allowed his head to fall back against the chair. He had not had someone tear into since before his mother died. But it was what he needed to hear. He had a goal now he just needed a plan.

He needed to talk to Cassian. He quickly opened the door and headed off to his cousins chambers. If he was lucky he’d get to ask Jyn’s advice as well.

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